Minutes of the Fairmont City Council meeting held on November 9, 2009, in the City 
Hall Council Chambers.

Mayor Randy Quiring called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  Council members 
Anderson, Clerc, Gorath, Kallemeyn, and Lucas were present.  Also in attendance were:  
City Administrator Jim Zarling; City Attorney Elizabeth Bloomquist; Finance Director 
Paul Hoye; Public Works Director/City Engineer Troy Nemmers; Police Chief Greg 
Brolsma; and City Clerk Susan Olson.

It was moved by Council member Clerc, seconded by Council member Kallemeyn and 
carried to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2009, City Council meeting as 
presented.

The following comments were received by the City Council during Open Discussion:
o	Council member Kallemeyn requested an update from City Administrator Zarling 
on the successful grand opening event at the new liquor store which was held on 
November 6 and 7, 2009.
o	Council member Lucas requested an update from City Administrator Zarling on 
the progress being made by the new leaf vacuum as it continues to pick up leaves 
throughout the community.  A third pass through the community began on 
Monday, November 9th.  Mr. Zarling asked that citizens be patient and he 
emphasized the City would try to get as many leaves picked up as possible.

Mayor Quiring read a proclamation declaring Monday, November 16, 2009, as “George 
Janssen Day” in the City of Fairmont.

Mayor Quiring read a proclamation declaring the week of November 15-21, 2009, as 
“American Education Week” in the City of Fairmont.

Mayor Quiring read a proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 18, 2009 as 
“National Educational Support Professionals Day” in the City of Fairmont.

Mayor Quiring read a proclamation declaring Tuesday, November 17, 2009, as “National 
Community Education Day” in the City of Fairmont.  

Fairmont varsity softball coach, Allison Klassen, presented a five year revival plan for 
improvements she is recommending be done to the Cardinal fields located in the area of 
the Fairmont Senior High School.

Police Chief Greg Brolsma and Yellow Ribbon Chapter President Lisa Lange presented 
information to the City Council and the community concerning suicide awareness and 
prevention.

The Fairmont Planning Commission is recommending City Council approval of proposed 
Ordinance No. 2009-09 amending the Fairmont City Code Section 26-206 regarding 
fence height in residential districts allowing six foot high fences along side the principal 
structure.  A motion was made by Council member Gorath, seconded by Council member 
Lucas and carried to set a date for a public hearing to be held on Monday, November 23, 
2009 to take public input on this proposed ordinance.  

Council member Lucas introduced and moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 2009-
42 approving the senior citizen assessment deferral application of Audrey K. Slater of 
322 South Elm Street.  Council member Clerc seconded the motion for its adoption.  On 
roll call:  Council members Clerc, Gorath, Kallemeyn, Lucas and Anderson all voted aye.  
No one voted nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said resolution to have received the 
affirmative vote of the entire Council and he then declared the same to have been duly 
passed, approved and adopted.  

Council member Clerc introduced and moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 2009-
43 approving the senior citizen assessment deferral application of Kathleen A. Thate of 
505 Victoria Street.  Council member Gorath seconded the motion for its adoption.  On 
roll call:  Council members Gorath, Kallemeyn, Lucas, Anderson, and Clerc all voted 
aye.  No one voted nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said resolution to have received the 
affirmative vote of the entire Council and he then declared the same to have been duly 
passed, approved and adopted.  

Council member Anderson introduced and moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 
2009-45 approving the senior citizen assessment deferral application of Arthur and 
Marcia Martin of 705 Willow Street.  Council member Kallemeyn seconded the motion 
for its adoption.  On roll call:  Council members Lucas, Anderson, Clerc, Gorath, and 
Kallemeyn all voted aye.  No one voted nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said resolution to 
have received the affirmative vote of the entire Council and he then declared the same to 
have been duly passed, approved and adopted.

Bids for the removal of the chimney stacks located at the Fairmont Municipal Power 
Plant were accepted and reviewed on Wednesday, November 4, 2009.  The following 
bids were received:  Larson Crane Service of Worthington, Minnesota in the amount of 
$213,105.00; Gerard Chimney Co. of St. Louis, Missouri in the amount of $280,080.00; 
Carl Bolander & Sons, Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota in the amount of $316,896.00; Wilcon 
Construction of St. James, Minnesota in the amount of $385,752.00; R & P Industrial 
Chimney Co. of Nicholasville, Kentucky in the amount of $497,559.00; and Custodis of 
Brazil, Indiana in the amount of $1,010,497.00.  Council member Lucas introduced and 
moved for the adoption of Resolution No. 2009-44 to award the contract to Larson Crane 
Service, of Worthington, Minnesota, the lowest bidder, in the amount of $213,105.00.
Council member Kallemeyn seconded the motion for its adoption.  On roll call:  Council 
members Kallemeyn, Lucas, Anderson, Clerc, and Gorath all voted aye.  No one voted 
nay.  Mayor Quiring declared said resolution to have received the affirmative vote of the 
entire Council and he then declared the same to have been duly passed, approved and 
adopted.

The reconstruction of Johnson Street is being proposed as part of the 2010 Improvement 
Program.  Public Works Director/City Engineer Troy Nemmers presented information to 
the City Council and the community on a Minnesota Department of Transportation 
recommendation to consider construction of a round-a-bout as part of the Johnson Street 
reconstruction project.  Fairmont School District Superintendent Butch Hanson and 
Fairmont Medical Center Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Pribyl both addressed the 
Council with their concerns and support of this method of directing traffic and 
pedestrians more safely through this very busy intersection (Johnson Street and South 
State Street).  Following Council discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to 
proceed with the plans and design of this round-a-bout as part of the 2010 Improvement 
Program.

In an ongoing effort to demolish four hazardous buildings owned by Mr. Thomas Unruh, 
City Attorney Elizabeth Bloomquist negotiated a settlement with Mr. Unruh whereby, in 
exchange for a $5,000 payment from the City, Mr. Unruh would agree to not appeal the 
Court’s decision and sign over the four properties to the City.  The demolitions would 
take place after November 19, 2009, allowing the owner time to remove some personal 
property.  A motion was made by Council member Clerc, seconded by Council member 
Kallemeyn and carried to approve this agreement with Mr. Thomas Unruh.  

A motion was made by Council member Kallemeyn, seconded by Council member Clerc 
and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

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ATTEST:					Mayor

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City Clerk